is hurricane sandy and the response have a political impact on this race? >> well, david, first of all, the political impact of sandy is sort of irrelevant. what's important is the impact we're seeing in new jersey and new york, connecticut, and west virginia. we have to make sure we stand by we believe this race is very stable. you know, all through the fall. and i think that we're headed to a very close race where the president has an edge in enough battleground states to be re-elected tuesday night. >> despite governor christie's high marks, the reality is staten island, and this area in new york and in this region, you have so many people without power.li you have critical shortages of gasoline. has the federal government done enough to reach those people who are still suffering here almost a week after this storm? >> well, we're doing everything we can, partnering with state and local officials, to make sure that we're getting fuel into the area. we're providing direct e' assistance to allow affected families and people to have money for lodging and fo